Chicago Studio Coordinator Christea Parent Named 2019 ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Fellow

Congratulations to our Chicago Studio Coordinator Christea Parent on being selected as one of 18 new Fellows of the 2019 Leadership Institute with ADA25 Advancing Leadership!

The mission of Advancing Leadership is “to build a pipeline and network of our leaders with disabilities who are deeply engaged in the civic life of the Chicago region and advancing in their careers – consistent with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “

As part of the Leadership Institute, Christea will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of disability rights and advocacy through mentorship, retreats, and connections with Chicago’s civic and professional leaders, as well as network with like-minded disabled advocates and workers across the city.

It is sadly rare for disabled people to have equity in the leadership and decision-making processes of organizations that claim to represent them and their best interests.  The Leadership Institute aims to change that by giving disabled people a seat at the table on nonprofit boards of all kinds.

Christea hopes to bring the knowledge gained from their experiences in the program back to The Arts of Life to continue to help achieve our goal of amplifying the voices of the disabled and building community that values disabled and non-disabled people alike.

You can learn more about the program at https://www.ada25chicago.org/